Notting Hill Carnival celebrates 50 years as top London attraction

Holidaymakers heading to the capital will be able to see one of the top London attractions this weekend (August 30th-31st), when the Notting Hill Carnival returns for its 50th anniversary.

West London will once again be packed with Calypso music, exotic food stalls, stunning floats and flamboyant performers as the famous festival makes its way through Westbourne Grove, Ladbroke Grove and Kensal Road.

The occasion is also one of the most family-friendly London sights, Sunday reserved as children's day, with a shorter parade route and a youngster-focussed athmosphere.

Prior to the main event, those looking for things to do in London will have the chance to extend their festival experience by watching the National Panorama Championship, which will be held near Speaker's Corner in Hyde Park on August 29th, and will see ten of the UK's top steel bands compete for the title National Champions of Steel.

The first Notting Hill Carnival was held indoors in St Pancras Town Hall in 1959 and was created as a response to souring race relations which culminated in the Notting Hill Race Riots of 1958.

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Written by Gary Poole

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